Leading premium spirits company Edrington has become the majority shareholder in Wyoming Whiskey.
Building on the 35% stake that Edrington took in the brand in 2018, the Glasgow-headquartered group has increased its shareholding to 80% in a deal with Wyoming Whiskey’s founding shareholders, led by Kate Mead, Brad Mead and David DeFazio.
Wyoming Whiskey was created on the Mead family ranch in Kirby, Wyoming. It will continue to be made in Kirby with the 37 employees working in Wyoming joining the wider Edrington business.
Since entering the Edrington portfolio in 2018, Wyoming Whiskey has been part of the company’s Partnership Brands business unit, which has collaborated with colleagues in the US to build its reputation as an ultra-premium American whiskey. During that time, the brand has grown volume and value in the US faster than the ultra-premium American whiskey category, noted Edrington.
Director of Partnership Brands Jane Graham said: “With a compelling brand story, natural ultra-premium credentials stemming from its origins, and its inherent scarcity, Wyoming Whiskey is a great fit for Edrington’s ultra-premium strategy. Our majority shareholding gives Edrington the opportunity to get closer than ever to every aspect of Wyoming Whiskey and increase investment behind the brand.”
Founding shareholder Brad Mead said: “Our partnership with Edrington over the past five years has been extraordinarily productive. Edrington’s track record of creating iconic ultra-premium whiskeys and building authentic brands makes the company the perfect partner going forward. We’re excited about the future of Wyoming Whiskey and our continued association with Edrington.”
Edrington Managing Director of Estate Brands Suzy Smith said she was delighted to welcome Wyoming Whiskey into her portfolio, alongside Highland Park and The Glenrothes single malt Scotch whiskies.
Smith commented: “After five years of growth and success as part of our Partnership Brands team, we are excited at the potential of Wyoming Whiskey and believe it will contribute to Edrington’s strategic vision and become a prestige American whiskey brand under our stewardship. Wyoming Whiskey is a unique American whiskey thanks to its craft and quality, born and bred on the Mead family ranch in Kirby, Wyoming.”
Edrington CEO Scott McCroskie said that taking a majority shareholding in Wyoming Whiskey was a logical step for both Edrington and the brand. He commented: “The ultra-premium American whiskey category is going through a period of rapid growth. This is an exciting opportunity to apply Edrington’s skills in crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands to continue Wyoming Whiskey’s premiumisation journey.” ✈
